On the first part of To Live and Die in Technopolis, we meet a rare Frenchman who truly understands how the world works, we rail on science and reason for a little while, we get into a time machine to pump the tires of the Greeks and the Romans, and we wish the 19th century took a different turn. Welcome to Blizzard of the World!

1. Introduction to the podcast and to Jacques Ellul (0:51)

2. Definition of technique; its relation to science and to reason (26:50)
2.1. Definition
2.2. Science and technique
2.3. Reason and technique

3. Technique in history; points of reference (43:08)
3.1. Ancient civilizations (Greece & Rome)
3.2. Technique under a Christian Europe (4th to 14th century)
3.3. A revival, a drought and the printing press (15th to 17th century)
3.4. The technical revolution (18th and 19th century)

4. Why did the technical revolution happen in the 19th century? (1:00:00)
4.1. The simplistic answer in three factors:
a) Science;
b) Philosophy;
c) The contemporary mindset.
4.2. The complete answer in five factors:
a) Accumulation of technical experience;
b) Increase in population;
c) Fertile economic grounds;
d) Flexibility of the social milieu;
e) Emergence of a clear technical mindset.

5. Conclusion (1:30:43)

http://blizzardoftheworld.buzzsprout.com
Twitter: @blizzardofworld
Email: blizzardoftheworld@gmail.com

"Electric Blues" by Nikitsan Music
Artwork by Pgeshan

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